Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Updated
Udupi, Apr 21: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday April 21 launched the Sri Barkur Mahasamsthanam by lighting the lamp at Rajya Bhuthala Pandya Vedike, Barkur here.
Addressing the gathering, CM Siddaramaiah said, "In ancient times, this place was believed to have 365 temples. No one can build the future without having adequate knowledge of history. Sri Dr Santhosh Swamiji has decided to revive this historical place which is commendable.
"People have created the caste system for their own selfish interests. People should have human values and keep away from inhuman behaviour and beliefs like caste-based discrimination while entering temple and other religious places.
"I am neither an atheist nor a staunch devotee. I have not gone to Tirupati temple till date. If one believes in God, there is no need to go to other places in search of Him. Prayer and offerings go in vain if the soul is not pure. God will be impressed by a pure soul who prays and wishes for the welfare of others. We should pray with a pure heart. I do not believed in religious activities. Instead, I believe in humanity," he said.
The chief minister further said that he believes in the sayings of Basavanna. He even went on to sing the vachana, 'Iva yarava iva yarava-Iva nammava, iva nammava'.
"Equality needs to be promoted in society. We need to have horizontal social system instead of vertical system. Basavanna’s Anubhava Mantapa is a basic model for all political strata like Rajya Sabha, Vidhana Sabha, cabinet and so on. Harassment and violation will thrive in society until the caste system and gender discrimination are practised in the society.
"Dharma is nothing but wishing good for others. There is no equal to it. A man should not wish bad for others. Religious principles should be simple and common man should understand them. That is what Sharanas did and were able to reach the people their simple language.
"All religions are equal and God wants devotion and dedication from his devotees. God needs nothing more than that," concluded Siddaramaiah.
Justice Santhosh Hedge, former Lokayukta, Shashikiran Shetty, CMD Alkargo Logistics, Mumbai, Jaya C Suvarna, President, Billava Mahamandala and Dr K Chinnappagowda, lecturer, Kannada department, Mangaluru University were felicitated and awarded in the name of Raja Bhuatala Pandya on the occasion.
Santhosh Swamiji honoured the Karnataka chief minister when he arrived at the venue.
District in-charge minister, Pramod Madhwaraj, and Kaup MLA, Vinay Kumar Sorake, CM Parliamentary secretary, Shakuntala Shetty, Maladi Ajith Rai of Mathru Sangha Managluru, Appanna Hegde, vice president, Barkur Mahasamsthan trust, Jagadguru Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswami of Sri Kshetra Sutturu Math and others were present.
Manohar Prasad, chief of Udayavani Kannada compered the programme.
Earlier Report
Udupi: 'Sand policy for coast soon, attackers of DC won't be spared' - CM Siddaramaiah
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)
Udupi, Apr 21: Karnataka chief minister, Siddaramaiah, arrived at the specially prepared helipad ground here on Friday April 21. He is scheduled to participate in a programme of reconsecration of stone images of serpent god and other deities at Barkur being held under the aegis of Barkur Maha Samsthanam. The helipad has been created near Smt Rukmini Shedti Memorial National Government First Grade College, Barkur in the district.
On his arrival at the helipad, which was prepared and cleared of dust by using cattle dung, district in-charge minister, Pramod Madhwaraj, and Kaup MLA, Vinay Kumar Sorake along deputy commissioner, Priyanka Mary Francis, and Kundapur assistant commissioner, Shilpa Nag, received him. District superintendent of police, Balakishna, was present. The CM inspected guard of honour at the helipad.
On this occasion, he fielded certain questions fired at him by the media persons. About the likelihood of having pre-poll alliance with the JD(S), Siddaramaiah said that as of now, no such understanding has been planned. He refused to make any comment on Deve Gowda's statement on this issue.
About the by-polls at Nanjangud and Gundlupet constituencies, Siddaramaiah admitted that the fact that JD(S) did not field its candidates had benefitted his party. He however, hastened to add that that was the only reason for his party's victory. On the issue of the areas where by-poll was held having predominantly Veerashaiva voters, he said that all classes of people had voted for the Congress.
When his attention was drawn to the attack on deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner during raid on illegal sand extraction centres, he asserted that the guilty will be dealt with sternly in spite of whether they are strong or have political clout.
About framing uniform sand policy for coastal districts, he clarified that the proposal is under consideration and the process is going on.
On the issue of choosing a new president for Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee in place of G Parameshwar, he admitted that several names are in circulation and that it is up to the high command to take a decision and that he is not aware about any developments in this regard.
About the filling up of two vacant positions in the ministry and nominating three MLCs, he said a decision will be taken on these issues soon.
On the issue of completion of Varahi project and revival of Brahmavar Sugar Factory, Siddaramaiah noted that cane in sufficient quantity required to run a sugar factory is not being raised in this region. He added that it would not be possible to revive the sugar factory till sufficient cane is available for crushing. He noted that as against sugarcane grown in Pandavapura where seven percent crop grown is sugarcane and Mysuru regions where ten to 11 percent crop grown is sugarcane, here only five percent is grown which will not be sufficient to run the factory viably.
Questioned about his aversion to puja and worship, Siddaramaiah said he is not against god. He added that he believes in praying to gods here than going long distances in search of him to places like Kashmir and elsewhere. About the reported unhappiness of Pejavar Swamiji Sri Vishweshateertha about the fact that he had not visited Srikrishna Math during his previous visits, Siddaramaiah said he did not get an opportunity to meet him, and that he will go to Srikrishna Math when the opportunity arises.
On Yeddyurappa-Eshwarappa conflict within BJP, he commented that indiscipline itself is counted as discipline in BJP. About Target - 150, he wanted to know who gave this target, adding that people had not given it. He asserted that Yedyurappa cannot take voters for granted and that the voters cannot be compelled to vote for a particular party.
On the issue of removal of red light from atop vehicles, and several have fallen in line, he said he will wait before doing anything on this issue.